Simi Valley Decibel Limits Rules (2026): What You Need to Know

Simi Valley Municipal Code Chapter 16 (Title 5 — Public Welfare) establishes the city's framework for noise regulation. The primary metric used is Community Noise Equivalent Level (CNEL), which is a 24-hour energy-average that automatically applies a 5 dB penalty to evening hours (7 PM–10 PM) and a 10 dB penalty to nighttime hours (10 PM–7 AM), reflecting the greater annoyance caused by noise during those periods. The General Plan Noise Element sets residential exterior areas at a maximum of 63 dBA CNEL and interior habitable rooms at 45 dBA CNEL.

Fixed mechanical equipment — including air conditioning units, pool and spa pumps, heat pumps, and standby generators — must be installed and maintained such that their operation does not cause the noise level at the receiving property line to exceed the applicable zone standard. Properties located near arterials, freeways, or commercial zones may have elevated ambient levels, but new residential construction in those areas must achieve interior compliance through building envelope measures such as sound-rated windows, mechanical ventilation, and insulated walls. The city relies on its General Plan Noise Element standards and Chapter 16 together to evaluate noise impacts from development projects and from ongoing land uses.

Code Enforcement Section enforces noise complaints, with officers using calibrated sound level meters for measurement. Because the CNEL metric is a long-term average, instantaneous measurements of loud events — parties, pool pumps that cycle on at night, or barking dogs — are typically evaluated against the broader nuisance provisions of Chapter 16 rather than against the CNEL standard directly. Residents should document the time, duration, and frequency of recurring noise and contact Code Enforcement at (805) 583-6753 or the Police Department non-emergency line at (805) 583-6950 for nighttime disturbances.